Preface: Planning the scientific applications of the Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical radio Telescope
Abstract
The Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical radio Telescope (FAST) is by far the largest telescope of any kind ever built. FAST produced its first light in September 2016 and it is now under commissioning, with normal operation to commence in late 2019. During testing and early science operation, FAST has started making astronomical discoveries, particularly pulsars of various kinds, including millisecond pulsars, binaries, gamma-ray pulsars, etc. The papers in this mini-volume propose ambitious observational projects to advance our knowledge of astronomy, astrophysics and fundamental physics in many ways. Although it may take FAST many years to achieve all the goals explained in these papers, taken together they define a powerful strategic vision for the next decade.
- Publication:
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Research in Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Pub Date:
- February 2019
- DOI:
- 10.1088/1674-4527/19/2/16
- arXiv:
- arXiv:1904.05882
- Bibcode:
- 2019RAA....19...16L
- Keywords:
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- Astrophysics - Instrumentation and Methods for Astrophysics
- E-Print:
- 2 pages, A preface to the RAA mini-volume on FAST science potential, topics including fundamental constants, cosmic rays, exoplanets, gravitational radiation, the interstellar medium, and masers